1. It’s about skills AND fit!
The Interview
It’s about skills AND fit!
By Donna Crow, Executive Director Career Services
University Inn, Rm career-services.usu.edu (435)

2. Skills Employers are Looking For
Based on a 5-point scale; 5 = extremely important
Verbally communicate with persons
inside/outside the organization 4.63
Work in a team situation
Make decisions and solve problems 4.51
Plan, organize, and prioritize work 4.46
Obtain and process information
Analyze quantitative data
Technical knowledge related to the job 3.99
Proficiency with computer programs 3.95
Create and/or edit written reports 3.56
Sell or influence others
Source: Job Outlook 2018, National Association of Colleges & Employers

3. Behavior-Based Interview Questions
Tell me about a time…
Give me an example of…
What methods have your used for…
In developing curriculum, tell us how you…
If faced with this scenario….
________________________________________________________
Use a specific example and discuss what you learned our how you might do better.
University Inn, Rm (435)

4. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“Tell me about yourself.”
Focus on your academics, experiences, and research.
Identify the top 2-3 things you want this person to know as they relate to the job/program you are targeting.
________________________________________________________
….. “Since my mechanical engineering assistantship gave me research experience with space systems and controls, I am really interested in working in composites in a manufacturing setting.”
University Inn, Rm (435)

5. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“Describe how you have involved undergraduates in your research?”
Your response should be related to the work you might be doing at the new institution? What void could you fill?
________________________________________________________
“In the second year of my PhD program, my major professor left on sabbatical and instructed me to involve several undergrads in the research come fall. I met with other professors with great reputations for including undergrads successfully and created a model based on those best-practices…”
University Inn, Rm (435)

6. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“What is your greatest strength?”
Relate your strength(s) to the position you are applying for.
________________________________________________________
“My advanced degree in athletic training, work experience and organizational skills coupled with playing Division I basketball, make this position at Oregon State and ideal fit for my interests and abilities.”
University Inn, Rm (435)

7. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“What is your greatest weakness?”
State your challenge and then personal “work around.”
_________________________________________________________
“I’m really working on my organizational skills, so I plan time to do my research and prepare for the classes I teach. If something changes, on any given day, I add that time to the next day immediately so nothing falls through the cracks. ”
University Inn, Rm (435)

8. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“Tell us about a lesson in an introductory course that went well and why?”
Be ready with a great example!
______________________________________________________
“When I was given the opportunity to update our Env. Science 101 course...
University Inn, Rm (435)

9. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.”
Don’t throw them under the bus but help them do better.
________________________________________________________
…“I pulled him aside, to a private location, and asked him to explain his approach to resetting the lab for the experiment. We talked and he explained his point of view, I told him mine, and we compromised on what was a better plan than either of us had before.”
University Inn, Rm (435)

10. Interviewers’ Favorite Questions
“Why should we hire you?” AND/OR
“Why do you want this job?”
Explain how your skills and experiences fit the job.
Be positive and enthusiastic and state how much you
really want the job.
________________________________________________________
“My PhD in Instructional Development/Design , work experience with Management Training Corp., and leadership ability have prepared me for this position at UC San Diego. I really am excited about the move to the coast.”
University Inn, Rm (435)

11. Questions to Ask in the Interview
The Organization:
What do you see ahead for this organization in the next five years?
How would you describe your organizational culture?
The Position:
When you think of the ideal candidate for this position, what top
three skills/qualities come to mind?
What is the natural career path for employees in this position?
When will I have my first formal performance review? Can I ask for informal
feedback at any time?
The Expectations & Next Steps:
What are the next steps in the interview process and when might you to make a
decision?
What are the most immediate challenges I would face in this position?
University Inn, Rm (435)

12. Before the Interview
Research the organization you are interviewing with
Confirm time, place, and interviewer’s name (including spelling and pronunciation)
Dress appropriately and be sure to have several
copies of your resume and references
Take relevant samples of your work
Practice responding to sample questions
Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer
University Inn, Rm (435)

13. Organization Research Before the Interview
Major products or services
Size in terms of sales, assets, and employees
Organizational structure of the company
Major competitors
Perception of the company by clients and competition
Latest news reports on the company or on local/national news that
affects the company
Age of company and years in business
Divisions/subsidiaries and their locations (domestic and international)
CEO’s Background
Corporate culture
Growth patterns
Mergers/Acquisitions
University Inn, Rm (435)

14. During the Interview Arrive on time – no more than 10-15 minutes early
Introduce yourself in a courteous manner with a firm
handshake
Make eye contact
Use body language to show interest and actively listen
Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback to the interviewer
Ask about the next steps in the hiring process
Thank the interviewer and re-state your interest in the
position
(Don’t discuss salary – let the interviewer bring it up)
University Inn, Rm (435)

15. After the Interview – Follow-up
Make sure to obtain business cards from those you
meet and/or interview with
Immediately write and send a follow-up letter/
to all you encountered
If you do not hear anything within a reasonable
amount of time (one to two weeks), make a call to
the lead interviewer 
University Inn, Rm (435)